Since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in June 2013, I have faced many obstacles and challenges. Flying 10 hours to Hawaii is hard enough without T1D, but now it’s even more of a hassle. Testing my blood at swim practice is another challenge I’ve faced. There are many challenges, and they all suck! I try not to be sad and mope over T1D, but face my challenges with courage and keep moving forward.

Of all the challenges, the hardest one for me is school. I have to go to the nurse’s office before lunch every day to check my blood sugar and take insulin. If I had the choice, I would go right down to the cafeteria, but I have to do what I have to do. The biggest challenge is being the one kid who is always late for lunch and the last kid to sit at the table. Sometimes there isn’t even a seat left for me to sit down.

I stay strong and overcome my challenges with the support of my friends. Most of the sixth graders at my school know about my diabetes, but they treat me like any other kid. Some of my friends even come to the nurse with me before lunch. Other friends save me a seat. It really helps to have people care about me. Even if I’m late to lunch or the last one to sit down, being treated the same helps, a lot.

Please consider making a Fund A Cure donation in honor of Jack and others living with T1D by clicking here.